Are Men and Women Really that Different? You Betcha!
Oct. 10, 2012
Men and woman are just plain different. At least, based on observations, that’s what I’ve come to realize is the case in my world. Now, I’m not saying one is better – just that things get done in a very different way sometimes. For example, my wife and her friends are training for stuff. My friends and I are training for stuff too (including Ironman Lake Placid 2013!). So, my wife and I both occasionally put together some kind of group training run or ride. In the interests of remaining scientific, I will not say which of the following electronic “conversations” is from men and which is from women. The reader can make deductions. But it doesn’t matter. The point is that we are different, right?
So, here is the “conversation” that followed 2 electronic invitations, one by me and one by the wife, to our friends in hopes of getting a training group together. I will abbreviate the names to protect the identities of the innocent and to keep this scientifically sterile.
R is for Rabin, and then the people invited are assigned letters and numbers, beginning with A or 1.
INVITATION #1
R1 to A, B, C, D, E, F and G: Anyone up for a long run Friday? How about we meet at 8:30 in front of the Bear Creek Cafe (next to rite aid, near the nice n easy on the corner of Enders). There are two different 6 mile loops from there. We can run 6, refuel, potty whatever, and repeat 3x’s. What do you guys think?
A: How long will we be running?
B: Is this a hilly route?
C: I can’t leave my house until 8:30. I’ve got someone coming over to give us an estimate on some electrical work that we’ve been thinking about for a few months. I think his name is Mike. He’s usually on time. It should only take about 10 minutes. We really want to get this project going, so I don’t want to reschedule. Can I meet you at 8:45 out on the loop?
F: I really need to get back on time, and B is always late. Can you tell her this starts at 8:15? Then we’ll all show up at 8:30 anyway.
B: How many hills will there be?
F: Thanks so much for doing loops. I love loops. If gives me a chance to use the bathroom and get a drink. How is the bathroom at Bear Creek?
R1: Bear Creek is closed, but it is next door to Rite Aid. I’m sure their bathrooms are fine.
G: I hate loops. I have such a hard time going back out after getting to the bathroom and having a drink. Let’s do just one long run
B: How many ounces of water are you carrying? Is anyone bringing Gatorade?
C: I think I’ll get there by 8:45 and just see you on the loop.
D: Why don’t we meet in front of Rite Aid? That way we won’t miss each other and we’ll be closer to the bathrooms? (Ed. note – Bear Creek and Rite Aid SHARE a parking lot. When you park there, you are literally between the two of them)
C: If I go quick, I think I can catch you before the turn-around on the first loop.
B: How long do you think this will take us?
G: If we park in front of Bear Creek, it will be easier for us to see each other, since Bear Creek is closed. I don’t want to miss anyone in the parking lot.
E: I don’t think I can make it. [spouse] can watch the kids for part of the morning but needs to get back to work before the run would be over. I think [spouse’s] mother would be willing to watch them, but she has to get her hair done that morning and the last time she moved her appointment it took a long time to reschedule so I would feel bad asking her to watch the kids and move her appointment again so I think I’ll go out on my own earlier and do the same miles you are doing and then just meet up with you next week if you do the same thing. I could do this on Monday if you can move the run, but I don’t want to make anyone else miss this. Have a really great time. We rock!!
R1: (to B only) We are going to move this up to 8:15 so we can get back in time for people to get kids and take care of things at home.
F: (to everyone) I just heard from B that we are moving this to 8:15. That makes it harder for me, since [child] gets on the bus at 8 and I still would need to grab my stuff, close up the house, get in the car, drive over there and I’m not sure I’ll be on time (Ed. Note: F lives approximately 800 yards from Bear Creek)
R1 (to everyone but B) We are NOT going at 8:15 – I just told B that since she is always late. We are still on for 8:30
F: Does B know that?
G: We’re going at 8:15 now?
B: I’m really worried about the hills. Can I walk the hills if I need to?
C: I can’t get there until 8:45, so 8:15 really messes it up for me. What route are you taking? I will meet you on the first loop, if I can make it before you turn around.
G: Are we still doing loops? How about just a run out and back?
F: I really want to do loops. I can’t carry enough Gatorade for the whole thing.
B: How much water and Gatorade are you guys bringing? I don’t know how much to put int the car. I have a case in there, but don’t want to bring too much. Maybe I should take some out? How much is everyone else brining?
(Ed. note: This is within the first few hours. This goes on for a few days and then there was an equal amount of communications following the event, all about the event that already happened)
INVITATION #2
R2 to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6: I’m riding two hours from my house Friday at 8. Let me know if you want to go.
1: (No response, did not go on ride)
2: I’ll be at your house at 7:55 (arrived at 7:55 and went on ride)
3: (No response, appeared at house at 7:58)
4: Can’t go, but thanks
5: (No response, did not go on ride)
6: Can’t do it – thanks
(Ed. note: there were no further communications, before or after, concerning this event)
So, what’s the conclusion? Sometimes genders do things differently. No right or wrong, just different. I’m sure there is some scientific value to this study, but I don’t have time to figure it out. I have to go train. And answer emails.